Freestanding Selectable Free Weight Assembly

ABSTRACT

An adjustable weight set apparatus includes a handle having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. A first weight set is adapted to be supported on the first end portion of the handle and a second weight set is adapted to be supported on the second end portion of the handle. Each of the first and second weight sets includes a plurality of weight plates. An adjustment assembly is mounted on the handle and includes a single selector element and a pair of selectors positioned for engaging and retaining the weight plates to the handle. The selectors are operatively connected to the selector element such that movement of the single selector element causes movement of both selectors for engaging and retaining the weight plates of the first and second weight sets to the handle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 12/262,478,filed Oct. 31, 2008, the entire contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to free weights, and inparticular, to a selectable free weight assembly having an improved easeof use and a compact design.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An adjustable weight dumbbell apparatus enables a user to have access toa plurality of differing weight sets in a single handset by facilitatingthe addition or subtraction of weight from the apparatus. In the past,the use of free weight dumbbells generally offered the user one of twooptions. The first option was a plurality of free weight dumbbell ofsolid mass in a sufficient number to fulfill the entire desired freeweight requirement (i.e., multiple pairs of dumbbells). The secondoption was an adjustable dumbbell that required physically clamping orsecuring the weights to a handset using a hand wrench manual lockingapparatus.

More recently, improvements in the design of free weight dumbbelldesigns have been made. While these developments have shown advantages,they are still encumbered by numerous disadvantages. One in particulararises from the user manually removing one or more components in aneffort to adjust the weight. The weights are configured as a series ofplates with rods connecting the outer vertical sides of each plate toits mated plate at the opposing side of the handset device. As theweights are stacked farther and farther apart, the rods connecting themare increasingly longer to span the greater distance. This means ofconstruction produces a “cage-like” configuration.

Another issue is the ability of a dumbbell to withstand impacts andcollisions. Other than solid dumbbells, damage during a drop orcollision is almost certain, possibly rendering the adjustable dumbbellof the prior art useless. Some designs require a certain gap betweenheavy components that would tend to close up due to an impact. The riskof potential injury is likely increased in designs like the “cage-like”configuration where the hand or fingers of the user could be trapped ifthe dumbbell is dropped, which could lead to injury of the extremity,possibly followed by a collision and further injury once the dumbbell isfinally released.

Still another deficiency existing in the prior art relates to adjustabledumbbell apparatuses that employ a tray or other containment device toretain and support the dumbbell when not in use. The problem with thisdesign is that the dumbbell and tray are designed to fit snugglytogether. Thus, the design requires a great deal of care and precisionwhen replacing the dumbbell in the tray.

Therefore, it can be seen that it is desirable to provide a selectablefree weight dumbbell apparatus that is reliable and easy to use.Further, such an apparatus would be designed and built in a manner thatis simple for the user to select the desired weight and secure theweight to the apparatus in an effective and secure manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the invention, an adjustable weight set apparatusgenerally comprises a handle having a first end portion and a second endportion opposite the first end portion. A first weight set is adapted tobe supported on the first end portion of the handle and a second weightset is adapted to be supported on the second end portion of the handle.Each of the first and second weight sets includes a plurality of weightplates. An adjustment assembly is mounted on the handle and includes asingle selector element and a pair of selectors positioned for engagingand retaining the weight plates to the handle. The selectors areoperatively connected to the selector element such that movement of thesingle selector element causes movement of both selectors for engagingand retaining the weight plates of the first and second weight sets tothe handle.

In another aspect of the invention, an adjustable weight set apparatusgenerally comprises a handle having a first end portion, a second endportion and a longitudinal axis. An adjustment assembly is mounted onthe handle and comprises at least one moveable selector. Weight platesare adapted to be retained on the handle by the selector. The selectoris adapted to extend through holes in the weight plates to retain theweight plates to the handle. The selector conforms to a shape of theholes over at least a top half of the selector to prevent relativemovement of the selector and weight plates transverse to thelongitudinal axis of the handle.

In yet another aspect of the invention, an adjustable weight setapparatus generally comprises a handle assembly including a handle and aplurality of weight plates adapted for mounting on the handle. Theweight plates comprise a main body portion and a top portion extendingfrom the main body portion at an angle.

In still another aspect of the invention, an adjustable weight setapparatus generally comprises a handle having a first end portion, asecond end portion and a longitudinal axis. An adjustment assembly ismounted on the handle and carries at least one movable selector. Weightplates are adapted to be selectively retained on the handle by theselector. A retainer is sized and shaped for receiving the handle andweight plates. The retainer comprises end walls and a bottom wall. Theretainer is adjustable in length.

Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointedout hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective of a free weight dumbbell apparatus of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a end view of the apparatus;

FIG. 5 is a perspective of a weight plate of the apparatus;

FIG. 6 is a cross section of the apparatus taken through line 6-6 inFIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a cross section of a handle assembly and adjustment assemblyof the apparatus;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary view of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a portion of the handle assembly andadjustment assembly;

FIG. 10 is a perspective of a handle of the apparatus;

FIG. 11 is a perspective of a dial of the apparatus;

FIG. 12 is a perspective of a collar of the apparatus;

FIG. 13 is a perspective of a selector shaft of the apparatus;

FIG. 14 is a perspective of an adjustable retainer of the apparatus; and

FIG. 15 is an illustration of the operation of the present invention.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, and more specifically to FIGS. 1-4, afreestanding selectable free weight dumbbell apparatus 10 generallycomprises a dumbbell handle assembly 12 including a tubular handle 14and a pair of collars 18, 20 mounted on respective ends of the handle. Apair of weight plate sets 16 are supported by the handle assembly 12 andan adjustable retainer 22 is adapted for holding the handle assembly 12and weight plate sets 16. Each weight plate set 16 comprises a pluralityof weight plates 24. A dial 26 (broadly, a “selector element”) mountedon collar 18 adjusts the number of weight plates 24 in each set 16supported by the handle assembly for varying the total weight of theapparatus 10. A portion of the handle 14 extends between the collars 18,20 for allowing a user to grasp and manipulate the apparatus 10.

The weight plates 24 in each plate set 16 are arranged in matingsequence between respective collars 18, 20 and retainer end plates 28.The weight plates 24 each comprise a main body portion 29 and a top bentportion 31 extending from the body portion at a skewed angle (FIG. 5).This configuration of the weight plates 24 reduces the overall length ofthe apparatus 10 as compared to weight plates without a bend. As aresult, the shape of the weight plates 24 creates a more compactapparatus 10 which makes for a more easy manipulation of the apparatus.The weight plates 24 may have other shapes without departing from thescope of the present invention. For instance, the weight plates could besubstantially round.

Each collar 18, 20 has a collar plate 32 fixed to the respective collarfor engaging the first weight plate 24. The collar plates can be made ofa suitable material such as steel and have, as illustrated, the sameoverall shape as the weight plates. However, it is to be understood thatthe collar plates may have a shape different from the shape of theweight plates. For example a collar plate (not shown) may be slightlysmaller than the weight plates 24 shown in the drawings so as toaccommodate weight plates of different shapes (e.g., circular weightplates, not shown) without projecting out from any peripheral edge ofeither shape of weight plate. The weight plates 24 can be made of asuitable material such as steel and the weight plates in each set 16 aredesigned to lock together in sequence from the collar 18, 20 toward theretainer 22. The weight plates 24 are also designed to lock to thecollar plates 32 and retainer end plates 28.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the weight plates 24, collars 18, 20 andretainer end plates 28 each have locking mechanisms 30 for attaching toadjacent components. Specifically, the locking mechanisms 30 function tolock two adjoining weight plates 24 together, or a weight plate toeither one of the collar plates 32 or to one of the retainer end plates28. The locking mechanisms 30 include a central locking tang 34 formedby making a three-sided cut (two lateral side cuts and a transverse topcut) in each of the weight plates 24. An identical locking mechanism 30can be formed on the collar plates 32 and retainer end plates 28. Thearea inside the cut is bent outward at an angle, forming the lockingtang 34. The void left by the tang 34 forms a central locking slot 36.Additionally, the two lateral side cuts taper toward the top cut suchthat a bottom edge of the tang 34 is longer than a top edge of the tang.

The central locking tangs 34 are designed to facilitate locking andunlocking of the weight plates 24, collar plates 32 and retainer endplates 28 during use of the apparatus 10. The top edge of each tang 34has an angled flush face 38 and a locking surface 40. The flush face 38is angled so that it will not interfere with the surface of an adjoiningplate. The locking surface 40 is designed to engage and lock into anupper portion of a central locking slot 36 of an adjacent weight plate24 or collar plate 32. This method of construction allows for thenecessary positioning of the central locking tangs 34 with respect toadjoining central locking slots 36 while providing a mechanism thatallows for the placement of a plurality of weight plates 24 flush upagainst one another.

Each of the weight plates 24, collar plates 32 and retainer end plates28 also include selector shaft holes 42 positioned at a center of theplates for allowing the passage of selector shafts 50 (FIG. 6) in andout of the weight plates for selecting the desired amount of weight. Theskewed orientation of the collar plates 32 with respect to alongitudinal axis LA of the handle 14, in combination with the lockingmechanisms 30, cause a portion of the weight plates 24 to be held at askewed angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle 14 whenthe weight plates 24 are retained on the handle assembly 12 (FIG. 2).

Selection of the desired weight is achieved through manipulation of thedial 26 which in turn actuates components of the handle assembly 12.Referring to FIGS. 6-9, the handle assembly comprises the handle 14,selector shafts 50 and a gear assembly 52. The dial 26 and gear assembly52 are broadly an adjustment assembly. The gear assembly comprises aring gear 54, a spacer 56, a mating gear 58 and a threaded shaft 60. Themating gear is mounted on the threaded shaft 60 that is housed in thehandle 14 and seated in a channel 62 formed in an inner surface of thehandle (FIG. 10). Threads on one half of the shaft 60 are left-handedand threads on the other half are right-handed, the purpose of whichwill be explained in greater detail below. The dial 26 is mounted on thehandle 14 for rotational movement generally about the longitudinal axisLA of the handle 14. The ring gear 54 and spacer 56 are mounted to anouter face of the dial 26 by fasteners 64 so that the ring gear andspacer rotate conjointly with the dial. Other configurations arecontemplated, such as the dial 26, ring gear 54 and spacer 56 can be asingle piece. The dial 26 has a counterbore 66 on an inner surface thatreceives an end of the handle 14 so that the dial is located on thehandle (FIG. 11). A lip 67 formed by the counterbore 66 retains the dial26, ring gear 54 and spacer 56 against movement relative to the handle14 in a perpendicular direction with respect to the longitudinal axis LAof the handle.

The smaller mating gear 58 engages the ring gear 54 such that teeth onthe mating gear mesh with teeth in the ring gear. Thus, rotation of thedial 26 rotates the mating gear 58 which conjointly rotates the threadedshaft 60 at a much higher angular velocity than the dial 26. The channel62 in the handle 14 constrains the threaded shaft 60 to rotation aboutan axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis LA of thehandle. Also, the spacer 56 acts as a stop for restricting longitudinalmovement of the threaded shaft 60. Furthermore, the collars 18, 20 canbe configured to function as stops for restricting longitudinal movementof the threaded shaft 60. The collar 18 encloses portions of the gearassembly 52. Collar 18 has a slot 70 that passes an upper part of thedial 26 outside of the collar to allow the user to rotate the dialduring use (FIG. 12).

The selector shafts 50 are at least partially received in the handle 14and selector shaft holes 42 by a close tolerance such that movement ofthe selector shafts and weight plates 24 transverse to the longitudinalaxis of the handle is restricted (FIG. 4). This feature provides anadvantage over adjustable weight plate sets of the prior art that useinternal adjustment components disposed transverse to the drive elements(i.e., selector shafts, threaded shaft). An example of such a device isshown in my U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0197745, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference. Designs like this requireside gaps in their handle assemblies for accommodating the internalcomponents. The gaps cause a loss of conformal engagement between theweight plates and the selector shafts that can lead to relativetransverse movement and may also create points of weakness that cancause permanent damage to the apparatus if it is dropped. Also, relativemovement in a transverse direction could cause the weight plates 24 tobecome disengaged with each other. In the present invention, however, byproviding structure on the selector shafts 50 that conforms to the roundshapes of the selector shaft holes 42 over at least the top halves ofthe selector shafts, the movement of the weight plates 24 is restricted,helping to eliminate looseness or “slop” and the points of weakness thatexist in prior art designs. This is facilitated by the drivingengagement of the selector shafts 50 with the gear assembly 52 on theunderside of the selector shafts.

Arcuate channels 68 in the selector shafts 50 are sized and shaped toslidingly receive ends of the threaded shaft 60 to allow the selectorshafts to move along the threaded shaft (FIG. 13). Ball bearings 70mounted in recesses 72 in the arcuate channels 68 are configured to ridealong the threads of the threaded shaft 60 to facilitate the movement ofthe selector shafts 50 along the threaded shaft.

A weight indicator (not shown) can be mounted on collar 18 adjacent thedial 26. A stem (not shown) can extend downward from the indicatorthrough a thickness of the collar 18 such that a distal end portion ofthe stem extends into an interior space of the collar. A washer (notshown) on the distal end portion of the stem can be configured to engagenotches (not shown) spaced around the spacer 56. The notches may bespaced approximately 120 degrees from each other to define about 10different weight increments of the apparatus 10. Thus, rotation of thedial 26 also causes the indicator to turn showing how much weight isselected. Other ways of indicating the selected weight may be usedwithin the scope of the present invention. The dial 26 may be configuredfor indexed rotation between locked positions. For example, the axiallyinward surface of the dial 26 nearest the collar 18 may have receptacles(not shown) formed in it. The receptacles may be angularly spaced apartaround the dial face (e.g., at 120° intervals). The opposing, axiallyoutwardly directed surface of the collar 18 may have a spring detent(not shown) mounted thereon that can snap into each of the receptaclesas they come into registration with the detent. The detent temporarilyholds or “locks” the dial 26 and gear assembly 52. The lock can beovercome by application of sufficient torque to the dial 26.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the retainer 22 includes a center plate 80and a pair of end plates 28 slidably attached to the center plate. Theend plates 28 and center plate 80 may be made out of a suitable materialsuch as steel. It may be seen that all or at least all major componentsof the apparatus 10 can be made of steel. However, use of othermaterials does not depart from the scope of the present invention. Eachend plate 28 comprises a base 82 and a plate portion 84 extending upwardfrom the base. The plate portion 84 is substantially identical to themain body portion 29 of the weight plates 24. The center plate 80 has apair of longitudinal slots 86 adapted to receive fasteners 88 throughthe slots for fastening to the base 82 of the end plates 28. Thisconfiguration allows the end plates 28 to slide inward and outward fromthe center plate 80 to accommodate the number of weight plates 24 on thehandle assembly 12. A one-piece, nonadjustable retainer may also be usedwithout departing from the scope of the invention.

During use, a user selects the desired amount of weight by rotating thedial 26 either clockwise or counterclockwise. In the illustratedembodiment, rotation of the dial in a clockwise direction causes theball bearings 70 to ride along the respective threads in the threadedshaft 60 moving the selector shafts 50 outward away from each other. Asthe selector shafts 50 are moved outward they will extend further intothe weight sets 16 through the selector shaft holes 42 in the weightplates 24, engaging more weight plates. Therefore, if the user lifts thehandle 14 upward the locking mechanisms 30 will cause more weight plates24 to be retained on the handle assembly 12. Because the retainer endplates 28 are configured with locking mechanisms 30, it is possible torotate the dial 26 such that the selector shafts 50 extend through theselector shaft holes 42 in the end plates 28 causing the handle assembly12 to retain the retainer 22 as well. Thus, a user can increase theweight of the apparatus 10 by adding the retainer 22.

Conversely, if the dial 26 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction,the ball bearings 70 will ride along the respective threads moving theselector shafts 50 inward toward each other. This will reduce the numberof weight plates 24 engaged by the selector shafts 50, resulting in anapparatus of lesser weight. The apparatus 10 is configured such that theselector shafts 50 will not extend past the outermost weight plate 24when at least one weight plate or collar plate 32 on each side of thehandle 14 is retained by the handle assembly 12.

When it is desired to return the handle assembly 12 and weight plates 24to the retainer 22, the construction of weight plates and the angledorientation of the retainer end plates 28 facilitate easy docking. Thebend between the main body portion 29 and the bent top portion 31 of theweight plates 24 along with the manner in which the weight plates arelocked together cause a tapering of the weight plate profile from top tobottom. Residual weight plates 90 left behind in the retainer 22 aresupported by the retainer such that their profile also tapers from topto bottom. Thus, inserting the weight plates 24 between the residualplates 90 is made easy because the narrow bottom portion of the weightplates 24 retained by the handle assembly 12 are easily received by thewide top portion of the residual weight plates 90 supported by theretainer 22. In addition, the relatively low profile of the collars 18,20 and the angled orientation of the collar plates 32 provide greaterwrist clearance for the user when handling the apparatus 10. Theincreased wrist clearance reduces the chance that the wrist of the userwill hit the collars 18, 20 thus reducing the chance of injury for theuser.

Overall the apparatus 10 of the present invention provides a free weightdumbbell design that is shorter in length, more compact and more evenlybalanced than the dumbbell designs of the prior art. Regardless of thenumber of weight plates 24 engaged by the selector shafts 50, a centerof mass of the apparatus 10 remains fixed substantially at a midpoint Mdisposed along the longitudinal axis LA of the handle 14.

Having described the invention in detail, it will be apparent thatmodifications and variations are possible without departing from thescope of the invention defined in the appended claims.

When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferredembodiments(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” areintended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms“comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive andmean that there may be additional elements other than the listedelements.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of theinvention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention, it is intended that allmatter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanyingdrawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limitingsense.

1. An adjustable weight set apparatus comprising: a handle having afirst end and portion a second end portion opposite the first endportion; a first weight set adapted to be supported on the first endportion of the handle and a second weight set adapted to be supported onthe second end portion of the handle, each of the first and secondweight sets comprising a plurality of weight plates; and an adjustmentassembly mounted on the handle, the adjustment assembly comprising asingle selector element and a pair of selectors positioned for engagingand retaining the weight plates to the handle, the selectors beingoperatively connected to the selector element such that movement of thesingle selector element causes movement of both selectors for engagingand retaining the weight plates of the first and second weight sets tothe handle.
 2. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the selectoris mounted for rotational movement and the selectors are configured forlongitudinal movement, the adjustment assembly further comprising a gearassembly for transferring the rotational movement of the selectorelement to the longitudinal movement of the selectors.
 3. An apparatusas set forth in claim 2 wherein the gear assembly comprises a ring gearfixed to the selector element such that the ring gear rotates conjointlywith the selector element, a mating gear meshed with the ring gear and athreaded shaft housed in the handle and fixedly attached to the matinggear such that rotation of the selector element causes rotation of thethreaded shaft, the selectors operatively connected to threads of thethreaded shaft so that the rotation of the threaded shaft causes theselectors to move along the threads of threaded shaft for engaging andretaining the weight plates on the handle.
 4. An apparatus as set forthin claim 3 wherein each selector comprises an arcuate channel in theselector and a follower projecting into the arcuate channel, thefollower being seated in the threads of the threaded shaft and thearcuate channel being sized and shaped to receive the threaded shaft forallowing the selector to move along the threaded shaft as the threadedshaft rotates.
 5. An apparatus as set forth in claim 4 wherein thethreaded shaft comprises a first half having left-handed threads and asecond half having right-handed threads, a first selector beingconnected to the first half of the threaded shaft and a second selectorbeing connected to the second half of the threaded shaft such thatmovement of the selector element in a first direction cause theselectors to move away from each other and movement of the selectorelement in a second direction causes the selectors to move toward eachother.
 6. An apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein the threadedshaft is seated in a channel defined in an inner surface of the handle.7. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a center ofmass disposed substantially at a midpoint of the apparatus, the midpointbeing disposed along a longitudinal axis of the handle.
 8. An apparatusas set forth in claim 1 further comprising an adjustable retainer, theretainer configured to receive and hold the handle, weight sets andadjustment assembly, the retainer comprising a pair of end platesconfigured to receive the selectors for allowing the selectors to retainthe retainer on the handle.
 9. An adjustable weight set apparatuscomprising: a handle having a first end portion, a second end portionand a longitudinal axis; an adjustment assembly mounted on the handleand comprising at least one moveable selector; and weight plates adaptedto be retained on the handle by the selector, the selector adapted toextend through holes in the weight plates to retain the weight plates tothe handle, the selector conforming to a shape of the holes over atleast a top half of the selector to prevent relative movement of theselector and weight plates transverse to the longitudinal axis of thehandle.
 10. An apparatus as set forth in claim 9 wherein the selectorcomprises a rounded shaft, the selector shaft conforming to the holesover at least the top half of the selector shaft.
 11. An apparatus asset forth in claim 10 wherein the at least one selector comprises afirst selector, the adjustment assembly further comprising a secondselector, the weight plates comprising a set of first weight platesadapted to be mounted on the first end portion of the handle and a setof second weight plates adapted to be mounted on the second end portionof the handle, the second selector conforming to a shape of holes in thesecond weight plates over at least a top half of the second selector toprevent relative movement of the second selector and second weightplates transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle.
 12. Anapparatus as set forth in claim 11 wherein the second selector comprisesa rounded shaft, the second selector shaft conforming to the holes inthe second weight plates over at least the top half of the secondselector shaft.
 13. An adjustable weight set apparatus comprising ahandle assembly including a handle and a plurality of weight platesadapted for mounting on the handle, the weight plates comprising a mainbody portion and a top portion extending from the main body portion atan angle.
 14. An apparatus as set forth in claim 13 wherein the weightplates are made of steel.
 15. An apparatus as set forth in claim 13wherein when the weight plates are mounted on the handle assembly alongitudinal space between weight plates in opposing sets is greater onone side of the handle than the other allowing for increase wristclearance for a user of the apparatus.
 16. An apparatus as set forth inclaim 13 further comprising a center of mass disposed substantially at amidpoint of the apparatus, the midpoint being disposed along alongitudinal axis of the handle.
 17. An apparatus as set forth in claim13 further comprising an adjustable retainer, the retainer configured toreceive and hold the handle assembly and weight plates.
 18. An apparatusas set forth in claim 17 wherein the retainer comprises a center plateand a pair of end plates slidably attached to the center plate.
 19. Anapparatus as set forth in claim 18 wherein the retainer is configured tosupport the weight plates such that a vertical profile of the weightplates tapers toward a center of the retainer when the weight plates areheld by the retainer.